Deathwright (3.5e Prestige Class)

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Today, what has gone wrong in the affairs of death shall be righted, and evil torn asunder!

”

—Archibald Haxley, human deathwright

Deathwrights are the most common order of paladins within the church of Modroben. They are a highly skilled and well-trained martial order, specializing in a type of long, arching sickle they call the Wrightblade. Known for a vengeful streak focused on necromancers who subvert the flow of death, deathwrights seek out their foe, ferreting out clues and whispers of undead creatures.

Like all members of the Church of Modroben, Deathwrights are expected to be neutral in most affairs (excepting only the defense of death, time and fate). Their class features should not be used except in the manner of church business and in direct self-defense. It is very rare for Deathwright powers to be used against anyone other than undead creatures or necromancers. All of the following are class features of the Deathwright:

Spellcasting: At each level, you gain new spells per day and an increase in caster level (and spells known, if applicable) as if you had also gained a level in a spellcasting class to which you belonged before adding the prestige class level. You do not, however, gain any other benefit a character of that class would have gained.

Spells: To cast a particular spell, you must have a Charisma score of at least 10 + the spell's level. Your bonus spells are based on your Charisma. Saves to avoid the effects of your spells have a DC of 10 + the spell's level + your Cha bonus (if any).

Sicklecleave: At first level, the deathwright bonds with his weapon, a type of elongated sickle called the Wrightblade. As a result, the weapon, which must be masterwork quality and must be stained with the blood of a lich, vampire or similarly powerful undead, becomes an Impact Cleave attack. If the deathwright loses his weapon, he must bond with it anew, which requires at least one year of undead-slaying before it gains any of the abilities associated with it in this class.

Sicklecleave: At first level, the deathwright gains the Greater Weapon Focus feat, specializing in the sickle.

Wade Into Combat: At second level, the deathwright can enter and exit combat with mindless undead such as zombies and skeletons at will, without provoking Attacks of Opportunity. They can parry and dodge, having studied the attack patterns of their foes, and can now easily block them. This power will not protect them from being totally surrounded.

Critical Sickle: Starting at fifth level, the deathwright's critical hit range with his wrightblade goes up by one, to a maximum of fifteen. All undead who receive a critical hit must make a Will save (DC 10+Holyclaine level+Cha modifier) and those who fail are beheaded and cleaved instantly.

Defensive Vigor: Starting at sixth level, any deathwright who is fighting a necromancer or individual using necromantic magic (such as by wearing appropriate magical items) gains an additional attack each round, at his highest attack bonus.

Combat: Deathwrights are forward fighters, always willing to take on a horde of foes and coming out on top a surprising amount of the time. Known for their gung ho attitude, rare for their church, as well as their sinister and macabre stare, they are a fearsome sight even for the living.

Advancement: Deathwrights may also advance in any other Modrobenian prestige class.

Resources: As members of the Church of Modroben, deathwrights are assigned certain privileges in society, and do not typically have to pay for necessary items. The Church also provides with ample material resources. However, deathwrights are completely committed to the Church and spend essentially all of their time fighting for their cause, giving up at least 90% of their income, should they receive any, to the Church.